Here's How To Peg Someone For The First Time, According To A Sex Coach

In general, "butt stuff" comprises a murky area of sex that some straight and straight-passing couples are mystified and enchanted by. Within that "butt stuff" umbrella, pegging has both a lot of stigma and curiosity attached to it. If you're a vagina-owner who's been wonderinghow to peg someone for the first time, know this: There are a lot of moving parts (literally) when it comes to the physical and emotional success of this back-door operation. Pegging, by definition, is the "the sexual act of a women anally penetrating a man with the use of a dildo or strap-on," according to sexologist and reproductive justice activist Michelle Hope.

Still, pegging isn't just pleasurable for the person getting pegged. It can give the person doing the pegging pleasure, too. Typically, women and femmes are the receiving partner in heterosexual sex. The chance that pegging offers women to penetrate and even dominate in bed, too? Thatcan be super empowering and super sexy. That alone is worth a shot. Here is everything you need to know about pegging your partner for the first time.

But first, consent

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Anal sex is no different from other kinds of sex in that consent and safety should be your top priorities. Not only should all parties consent to sex, but the receiving partner needs to consent to being pegged specifically — you shouldn't just spring that on someone. Hope recommends establishing a safe word, which is, in their words, "a clear unambiguous signal to communicate a stop to sexual activity."

Along with consent and safety, communication should also be a priority — especially when it comes to pegging. "There are a lot of misconceptions about pegging and some men are not as open to talk about their desires in exploring this practice, for fear of having their sexuality shamed," Hope explains. The stigma around pegging is often based in homophobia. Some people think that only a gay woman would use a strap-on or only a gay man would like to be anally penetrated.

"So, the idea of non-judgmental communication is highly important," they add. "I always recommend that people have real conversation about sex, prior to hopping in the sheets, to establish an understanding about one's desires and kinks." Having a frank, judgment-free convo about pegging (and other turn-ons) will help you realize your most, authentic, sexual selves, Hope says, in the safest way possible.

For the penetrating partner: Keep the receiver's safety in mind

One crucial aspect of anal sex is that the anus is not self-lubricating. I repeat: The anus is not self-lubricating. "And therefore has a higher risk of tissue tears," Hope says. "Lube is your best friend when looking to explore the back door!" Water-based lube is best when using silicone toys, which you will be, thanks to your handy, dandy dildo or strap-on.

What's more is that the anal sphincter, a muscle that Hope calls the "doorman to the rectum," needs to relax. "The process of being able to relax the sphincter may take some time or even multiple tries over time," Hope explains. Your partner's sphincter relaxing isn't just a matter of pegging position — it's about them being in the right headspace.

If you know that music relaxes your partner, you can put on your fave Spotify sexy time playlist. You can also give them a sensual massage as foreplay or engage in a bit of dirty talk to set the mood — whatever it is that helps them feel at ease. You can also reaffirm to them that you two can check in or stop at any time.

Another thing to consider during anal sex is protection. Condoms and latex gloves make an excellent barriers against bodily fluids and bacteria, namely E. coli, as well as illnesses like hepatitis A. It's important to remember that oil-based lubes wear down latex — therefore making it less effective. So just be mindful of what kind of lube you're picking up if you're also going to use latex products.

One latex glove pro-tip from Hope: If you have long nails or love acrylics, put cotton balls on the tips of your fingers and then put on the latex gloves. It'll prevent you from being "an Edward Scissorhands nightmare for someone's sphincter," they say.

It can also aid in determining how much they can take. Open communication between both parties is crucial. So is the receiving partner being vocal about what is pleasurable for them. "Remember, anal play of any kind is not a race and it damn sure ain’t a sprint," Hope says. "Rather, it is a walk on the booty beach of love that could provide years of fun memories — if you just take your time."

For both: You can't be squeamish about the P-word

The P-word being "poop," that is. Hope recommends that the partner being pegged focuses on their food and water intake 12-24 hours prior to anal play. "Eating foods high in fiber are important — as well as avoiding processed foods and meats, which often make us bloated and sh*tty," they say. Lots of water, fruit, and veggies should put the receiver on the right track. "You probably wanna avoid that chili cheese dog prior to play!"

Of course, like any kind of sex, it will always come down to what works best for you and your partner. There will be trial and error. "So don’t be surprised if you come out of an experience with a lil chocolate surprise," Hope says frankly. It would be wise to put down a towel and/or have some baby wipes on hand.

For both: Check in both before, during, and after

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Just as chit-chatting about anal safety, consent, boundaries, kinks, and desires is imperative beforehand, so is communicating during and after. Hope says it's critical to "be understanding and willing to talk though the good the bad and messy."

They also urge you and your partner to engage in some "aftercare." A term popularized in the BDSM community, aftercare is the non-sexual debrief after sex, if you will. What worked? What didn't? "Couples can do this by just holding each other and having a quick check-inabout they enjoyed about the experience," Hope explains.

This convo is necessary, especially when partners are exploring new sexual acts. "Something unintended may have come up for one or both parties while being overwhelmed with desire in the act. This is just a good way to maintain a loving and supportive sex life between all parties involved."

As always, with any kind of sex, patience, consent, and communication is key. And when it comes to pegging, those three elements are especially important in order to leave stress and discomfort behind you when trying something new in the bedroom.